Protect Your Feet From Frostbite

Winter sports enthusiasts who ski,
snowboard, skate, hike and snowshoe should take steps to protect their feet
from frostbite, pulled muscles and other winter woes.

All muscles take longer to warm up when it's cold outside, says Dr.
Suzanne Belyea, medical director of Foot.com.

In winter it's more important than ever to do appropriate stretching
exercises before taking part in any activity. In the foot, the Achilles
tendon and plantar fascia are especially at risk for muscle pulls.

In addition to warming up, choosing the right footwear is important.
According to Dr. Belyea, socks should be made of an acrylic that wicks
moisture away from feet to counteract dampness caused by sweat or snow.

Wet
feet get cold more quickly and are at increased risk of developing
frostbite. Socks that are too tight can inhibit circulation, inhibiting the
body�s ability to generate warmth.

Some may use an extra pair of socks, but it's better to have one pair
made of the right material to keep feet warm and dry. Doubling up with
cotton socks, for example, might just keep feet damp and cut off circulation
by making boots fit too tightly. Boots of any kind should be insulated and
waterproof, offering a snug fit without being too tight. Besides inhibiting
circulation, tight boots increase the risk of calluses and blisters.
Loosely fitting boots can be troublesome because they don't support feet.

Frostbite is also a major concern. Frostbite can occur in temperatures
below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on factors including dampness near
skin, length of time in the cold, protectiveness of footwear and wind chill.
The first symptom is a tingling feeling, then a burning sensation and
numbness. Skin appears white, cold, hard, and will later become red and
swollen. After skin thaws, blisters may appear.
If frostbite moves beneath the skin and affects the blood vessels it
becomes a serious situation that poses a risk of infection and loss of the
affected limbs.

If frostbite is suspected, it�s critical to warm affected areas
immediately. You can use unaffected body parts, such as hands if feet are
frostbitten, to warm the area, soak in lukewarm water or wrap in warm
blankets.

For more information on protecting the feet from cold and other foot
conditions, visit www.Foot.com